Anne Lamott, whose Christianity is permeated by the street-wise spirituality of the 12-step programs, has much in common with the publican in Luke's parable, whose simple prayer is "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

Luke doesn't record how much of a sense of humor the publican had, but Lamott brings her hard-earned wit to this concise book about the ways that need, gratitude and awe drive prayer. | Dec. 28, 2012»Read Full Article

It's hard to say what was more amusing: seeing Justin Hawkins do a handstand on the drum platform, moving his legs back and forth like scissors-or to watch him wail on guitar, while he was being carried around on some guy's shoulders, for night closer "Love on the Rocks with No Ice."

Right before the Encore, Hawkins took a towel, rubbed it ferociously where the sun don't shine, and then tossed it into the crowd. How much do you think that'd go for on eBay?

Justin Hawkins, frontman for British band The Darkness, had some choice words to say in a Journal Sentinel interview for those who think his glam rock group is a joke.

But let us examine some of the damning evidence at the band's Rave show Saturday, shall we? | Jan. 27, 2013»Read Full Article

The music and life story of popular French singer Edith Piaf get under one's skin.

Singer-actress Leslie Fitzwater, who has brought Piaf to the stage several times over the course of her career, opened her one-woman "Edith Piaf Onstage" at the Skylight Music Theatre on Friday evening. | Jan. 26, 2013»Read Full Article

Ruth, an African-American girl in her early teens, is lost. Her father is long gone. Her overworked mother is rarely around. Her beloved brother is dead. It's 1969, and, while Ruth should be in school, she is watching TV instead.

In "To the Promised Land" - unveiled by First Stage Children's Theater on Friday night - playwright Jonathan Gillard Daly links Ruth's struggles with another coming-of-age story that unfolded in Milwaukee, where a young Golda Meir underwent her own journey of self-discovery. Daly places both girls in the same house on Walnut St., nearly 60 years apart. | Jan. 26, 2013»Read Full Article